Canted coil springs and assemblies and related methods

ABSTRACT

Canted coil spring rings each with a first plurality of coils having first coil major and minor axes; a second plurality of coils each having second coil major and minor axes; the coils of the first plurality of coils alternating with the coils of the second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern. The spring rings having inner and outer perimeters and wherein the inner perimeter of the spring ring is defined by at least said first plurality of coils. The resulting configuration of the spring ring has improved spacing along the inner perimeter, among others, with respect to a similar canted coil spring ring having a constant coil cross section, such as a coil length with all similar coils.

FIELD OF ART

The present application describes canted coil spring ring designs withcoils having different dimensions and/or configurations and use of suchspring rings in different applications, including in connectors having ahousing and a shaft or pin and in gasket assemblies.

BACKGROUND

For canted coil springs having coils that are canted along the samedirection, the spacing between the coils is a geometric parameter thatmay be key to the performance of a canted coil spring since itinfluences the tendency of the coils to butt and defines the density ofcoils per unit length. In certain cases, an increase in spacing betweencoils may be a desired solution to meet specific force and/or conductive(such as electrical or thermal) requirements. However, this increasedspacing may result in losing the canted characteristics of the coils asthere are fewer coils per unit length or ring diameter and thus therelated benefits. In other cases, the spacing between coils as well asthe wire cross section may be un-modifiable, such as due to certainminimum requirement or do to strict adherence to a, and yet the forceand/or conductive properties of the canted coil spring may need to befurther adjusted.

In many technology fields, there is an increased need forminiaturization of components. The field of neuro-stimulation systems isan example that manifests such need. However, as size become smaller,certain geometric parameters may be reached and further refinements areno longer possible.

SUMMARY

The present application describes canted coil spring ring designs withalternating coils with different dimensions and/or configurations inwhich spacing between coils is improved over similar coils with constantcoil cross section.

The canted coil spring ring designs with alternating coils withdifferent dimensions described herein may also allow for reducing atleast the minimum ring inner perimeter.

Aspects of the present disclosure include a coil spring comprising aspring length having a first end and a second end. The spring has afirst plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a firstcoil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of saidfirst coil major and minor axes; a first centerline defined by theplurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils,and each coil of said first plurality of coils canted along said firstcenterline. The spring has a second plurality of coils each having asecond coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil centerdefined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes; asecond centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resultingfrom said second plurality of coils, and each coil of said secondplurality of coils canted along said second centerline. The coils ofsaid first plurality of coils alternate with the coils of said secondplurality of coils according to an alternating pattern. Wherein saidfirst end joins said second end thereby generating a coil spring ringcomprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter defined by at leastsaid first plurality of coils. The resulting spring ring configurationbeing such that the tendency of the coils to butt is lower than thetendency of the coils to butt for a canted coil spring having a constantcoil cross section made of a similar material, targeting similarconductive properties and having similar inner and outer perimeters anda similar wire cross section.

The spring ring wherein a portion of at least one coil of said secondplurality of coils may move through the confines of at least one coil ofsaid first plurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coilspring ring.

The spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first plurality ofcoils can be elliptical.

The spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first plurality ofcoils can be D shaped.

The spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first plurality ofcoils can have at least one portion depressed toward the interior of thecoil.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is a coil spring comprisinglength having a first end and a second end. The coil spring comprises afirst plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a firstcoil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of saidfirst coil major and minor axes; a first centerline defined by theplurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils,and each coil of said first plurality of coils canted along said firstcenterline. The coil spring further has a second plurality of coils eachhaving a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coilcenter defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minoraxes; a second centerline defined by the plurality of coil centersresulting from said second plurality of coils, and each coil of saidsecond plurality of coils canted along said second centerline. Whereinthe coils of said first plurality of coils alternate with the coils ofsaid second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern.Wherein said first end joins said second end, thereby generating a coilspring ring comprising: an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter, beingboth defined by at least said first plurality of coils; a minimumreachable inner perimeter being defined as the minimum value of saidinner perimeter that can be reached without the coils having butted;said minimum reachable inner perimeter being smaller than the minimumreachable inner perimeter of a constant coil cross section canted coilspring having: a similar total number of coils and coil major and minoraxes similar to those of either said first or second pluralities ofcoils. The coil spring with the minimum reachable inner perimeterwherein a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coilscan move through the confines of at least one coil of said firstplurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil spring ring.

The coil spring with the minimum reachable inner perimeter, wherein atleast one coil of said first plurality of coils can be elliptical.

The coil spring with the minimum reachable inner perimeter, wherein atleast one coil of said first plurality of coils can be D shaped.

The coil spring with the minimum reachable inner perimeter, wherein atleast one coil of said first plurality of coils can have at least oneportion depressed toward the interior of the coil.

A still yet further feature of the present disclosure is a coil springcomprising a length with a first end and a second end. Said springcomprising a first plurality of coils each having a first coil majoraxis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by theintersection of said first coil major and minor axes; a first centerlinedefined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said firstplurality of coils, and each coil of said first plurality of coilscanted along said first centerline. Said spring further comprising asecond plurality of coils each having a second coil major axis, a secondcoil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of saidsecond coil major and minor axes; a second centerline defined by theplurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils,and each coil of said second plurality of coils canted along said secondcenterline. Wherein the coils of said first plurality of coils alternatewith the coils of said second plurality of coils according to analternating pattern. Wherein said first end joins said second end toform a spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeterbeing defined by at least said first plurality of coils. The resultingconfiguration being such that the tendency of the coils to butt is lowerthan the tendency of the coils to butt for a constant coil cross sectioncanted coil spring ring made of a similar material. The spring ring ofthe present disclosure can be used for electromagnetic interferenceshielding applications and has similar inner and outer perimeters and asimilar wire cross section as the canted coil spring ring with theconstant coil cross section.

The coil spring with electromagnetic interference shielding capabilitywherein a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coilscan be moved through the confines of at least one coil of said firstplurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil spring ring.

The coil spring with electromagnetic interference shielding capabilitywherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can beelliptical.

The coil spring with electromagnetic interference shielding capabilitywherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can be Dshaped.

The coil spring with electromagnetic interference shielding capabilitywherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can have atleast one portion depressed toward the interior of the coil.

The present application is further directed to a method of achieving acoil spring ring. The method can comprise the steps of forming a firstplurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coilminor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said firstcoil major and minor axes; the plurality of coil centers resulting fromsaid first plurality of coils defining a first centerline; canting eachcoil of said first plurality of coils along said first centerline;forming a second plurality of coils each having a second coil majoraxis, a second coil minor axis and a coil center defined by theintersection of said second coil major and minor axes;

the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality ofcoils defining a second centerline; canting each coil of said secondplurality of coils along said second centerline; and alternating thecoils of said first plurality of coils and said second plurality ofcoils according to an alternating pattern. The method further includesthe step of joining the ends of said first and second pluralities ofcoils to generate a coil spring ring comprising an inner perimeter andan outer perimeter defined by at least said first plurality of coils.The spring ring has a minimum reachable inner perimeter being defined asthe minimum value of said inner perimeter that can be reached withoutthe coils having butted. Said minimum reachable inner perimeter beingsmaller than the minimum reachable inner perimeter of a constant coilcross section canted coil spring ring made of a similar material andhaving a similar total number of coils and coil major and minor axessimilar to those of either said first or second pluralities of coils.

The method of achieving a coil spring ring wherein said resultingconfiguration can cause a portion of at least one coil of said secondplurality of coils to be moved through the confines of at least one coilof said first plurality of coils under a state of deflection of saidcoil spring ring. Another aspect of the present disclosure is a methodof achieving a coil spring ring. The method can comprise the steps offorming a first plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis,a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection ofsaid first coil major and minor axes; the plurality of coil centersresulting from said first plurality of coils defining a firstcenterline; canting each coil of said first plurality of coils alongsaid first centerline; forming a second plurality of coils each having asecond coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil centerdefined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes;the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality ofcoils defining a second centerline; canting each coil of said secondplurality of coils along said second centerline; and alternating thecoils of said first plurality of coils and said second plurality ofcoils according to an alternating pattern. The method can furtherinclude the step of joining the ends of said first and secondpluralities of coils to generate a coil spring ring comprising an innerperimeter and an outer perimeter defined by at least said firstplurality of coils. The resulting configuration of the spring ring beingsuch that the tendency of the coils to butt is lower than the tendencyof the coils to butt for a constant coil cross section canted coilspring ring made of a similar material, targeting a similarelectromagnetic interference shielding capacity and having similar innerand outer perimeters and a similar wire cross section.

The method of achieving a coil spring ring wherein said resultingconfiguration can cause a portion of at least one coil of said secondplurality of coils to be moved through the confines of at least one coilof said first plurality of coils under a state of deflection of saidcoil spring ring.

A still unique feature of the present disclosure is an assemblycomprising a housing defining a bore; a groove along the inner surfaceof said housing being defined by multiple surfaces; a shaft; and a coilspring ring of one of the embodiments disclosed herein installed withinsaid groove and contacting at least one of said multiple surfacesdefining said groove. The insertion of said shaft into said bore causingsaid coil spring ring to deflect; such deflection engaging both saidshaft and said housing.

A still unique feature of the present disclosure is an assemblycomprising a housing defining a bore; a shaft; a groove along the outersurface of said shaft being defined by multiple surfaces; a coil springring of one of the embodiments disclosed herein installed within saidgroove and contacting at least one of said multiple surfaces definingsaid groove; the insertion of said shaft into said bore causing saidcoil spring ring to deflect; such deflection engaging both said shaftand said housing.

A still yet further feature of the present disclosure is an assemblycomprising a housing defining a bore; a first groove along the innersurface of said housing being defined by a first set of surfaces; ashaft; a second groove along the outer surface of said shaft beingdefined by a second set of surfaces; said shaft inserted into saidhousing; said first and second grooves aligned so that they define acavity; the coil spring ring of one of the embodiments disclosed hereinplaced into said cavity, contacting at least one surface of said firstset of surfaces and at least one surface of said second set of surfaces.

The present application is further directed to a gasket assembly. Thegasket assembly can comprise a coil spring ring of one of theembodiments disclosed herein; a groove receiving said coil spring ringand being defined by multiple surfaces; the arrangement of said multiplesurfaces enabling the loading of said coil spring ring in a selecteddirection.

The application still further includes a canted coil spring ringcomprising a first plurality of coils each having a first coil majoraxis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by theintersection of said first coil major and minor axes; a first centerlinedefined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said firstplurality of coils, and each coil of said first plurality of coilscanted along said first centerline; a second plurality of coils eachhaving a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coilcenter defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minoraxes; a second centerline defined by the plurality of coil centersresulting from said second plurality of coils, and each coil of saidsecond plurality of coils canted along said second centerline; whereinthe coils of said first plurality of coils alternate with the coils ofsaid second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern; andwherein spring ring comprises an inner perimeter defined by said firstplurality of coils only.

The coil spring ring wherein a portion of at least one coil of saidsecond plurality of coils can be moved through at least one coil of saidfirst plurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil springring.

The coil spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first pluralityof coils can be elliptical.

The coil spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first pluralityof coils can be D shaped.

The coil spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first pluralityof coils can have at least one portion depressed toward the interior ofthe coil.

The coil spring ring wherein the alternating pattern can comprise a coilfrom the first plurality of coils positioned next to a coil from thesecond plurality of coils and then repeating the alternating pattern.

The coil spring ring wherein the alternating pattern can comprise a coilfrom the first plurality of coils positioned next to two or more coilsfrom the second plurality of coils and then repeating the alternatingpattern.

The coil spring ring can further comprise a third plurality of coilseach having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coilcenter defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minoraxes; a first centerline defined by the plurality of coil centersresulting from said first plurality of coils, and each coil of saidthird plurality of coils canted along said first centerline.

The coil spring ring wherein a coil of the third plurality of coils canbe located between at least one coil of the first plurality of coils andat least one coil of the second plurality of coils.

A still yet further feature of the present disclosure is a method offorming a canted coil spring ring. The method can comprise the stepsforming a first plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis,a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection ofsaid first coil major and minor axes; the plurality of coil centersresulting from said first plurality of coils defining a firstcenterline; canting each coil of said first plurality of coils alongsaid first centerline; forming a second plurality of coils each having asecond coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil centerdefined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes;the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality ofcoils defining a second centerline; canting each coil of said secondplurality of coils along said second centerline; joining the ends ofsaid first and second pluralities of coils to generate a coil springring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter with the innerperimeter defined by said first plurality of coils only; and wherein thecoils of said first plurality of coils and said second plurality ofcoils are alternated according to an alternating pattern.

The method wherein said resulting configuration can cause a portion ofat least one coil of said second plurality of coils to move through atleast one coil of said first plurality of coils under a state ofdeflection of said coil spring ring.

The method can further comprise placing said spring ring inside a boreof a housing and inserting a pin through a center of the spring ring.

The method wherein the housing has a housing groove, the pin has a pingroove or the housing and the pin can each have a groove.

The method wherein the housing groove can be a V-groove.

The method can further comprise forming the first plurality of coilsfrom a wire cross-section having a circular shape, an elliptical shape,a flat rectangular shape, a square shape, a polygonal shape, a starshape, or a U-shape.

The present application is further directed to a coil spring ringcomprising a first plurality of coils each having a first coil majoraxis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by theintersection of said first coil major and minor axes; a first centerlinedefined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said firstplurality of coils, and each coil of said first plurality of coilscanted along said first centerline; and a second plurality of coils eachhaving a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coilcenter defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minoraxes; a second centerline defined by the plurality of coil centersresulting from said second plurality of coils, and each coil of saidsecond plurality of coils canted along said second centerline. Thespring ring has an outer perimeter defined by at least said firstplurality of coils and an inner perimeter defined by said firstplurality of coils only; said inner perimeter having a minimum reachableinner perimeter, which is defined as a minimum value that can be reachedwithout the first plurality of coils having butted. Said minimumreachable inner perimeter can be smaller than a minimum reachable innerperimeter of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring having asimilar total number of coils and coil major and minor axes similar tothose of either said first or second pluralities of coils; and whereinthe coils of said first plurality of coils alternate with the coils ofsaid second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern.

The coil spring ring wherein a portion of at least one coil of saidsecond plurality of coils can move through at least one coil of saidfirst plurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil springring.

The coil spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first pluralityof coils can be elliptical.

The coil spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first pluralityof coils can be D shaped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present device, system,and method will become appreciated as the same becomes better understoodwith reference to the specification, claims and appended drawingswherein:

The coil spring rings illustrated in the figures and described below aregenerally circular and resembles a garter or circular shaped ringshaving ends that are joined by any number of means. Thus, they comprisea ring inner diameter and a ring outer diameter. However, non-circularcoil spring rings may be considered as well, such as square, rectangularor oval. For such non-circular coil spring rings, it may be less preciseto refer to their ring inner and outer dimensions as diameters. Thus,unless the context indicates otherwise, the broader terms ring innerperimeter and ring outer perimeter are used when referring to coilspring rings, of both non-circular and circular configurations, and totheir inside dimension or boundary and outside dimension or boundary.Further, where the coils are undulating, such as having larger coilsdispersed with relatively smaller coils, the inner and outer perimetersof the spring ring are understood to mean the inner most or outer mostperimeter defined by the coil projections along the inner and outerregions of the spring ring. For example, if the spring ring has coilswith undulating surfaces along an inner perimeter, such as havingsmaller coils disposed and recessed between larger coils, the smallestmost coil projections formed by the larger coils will be considered asdefining the inner perimeter.

FIG. 1A shows a side view and an isometric view of a canted coil springlength. FIG. 1B illustrates a canted coil spring ring in side view andisometric view that can be formed from the canted coil spring length ofFIG. 1A. FIG. 1C shows the butted configuration of the same canted coilspring ring.

FIG. 2A shows a side view and an isometric view of a canted coil springlength in accordance with an alternative embodiment. FIG. 2B shows acanted coil spring ring in side view and isometric view with alternatingsmaller and larger coils that can be formed from the canted coil springlength of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C shows the butted configuration of the samecanted coil spring ring.

FIG. 3A shows a side view and an isometric view of a canted coil springlength in accordance with another alternative embodiment. FIG. 3B showsa canted coil spring ring in side view and isometric view withalternating smaller and larger coils that can be formed from the cantedcoil spring length of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C shows the butted configuration ofthe same canted coil spring ring.

FIG. 4A shows a side view and an isometric view of a canted coil springlength in accordance with another alternative embodiment. FIG. 4Billustrates a canted coil spring ring in side view and isometric viewthat can be formed from the canted coil spring length of FIG. 4A. Abutted configuration of the same canted coil spring ring may also beemployed (not shown).

FIG. 5A shows a side view and an isometric view of a canted coil springlength in accordance with another alternative embodiment. FIG. 5B showsa canted coil spring ring in side view and isometric view withalternating smaller and larger coils that can be formed from the cantedcoil spring length FIG. 5A. A butted configuration of the same cantedcoil spring ring may also be employed (not shown).

FIG. 6A shows a side view and an isometric view of a canted coil springlength in accordance with another alternative embodiment. FIG. 6B showsa canted coil spring ring in side view and isometric view withalternating smaller and larger coils that can be formed from the cantedcoil spring length of FIG. 6A. A butted configuration of the same cantedcoil spring ring may also be employed (not shown).

FIG. 7A shows a side view and an isometric view of a canted coil springlength in accordance with another alternative embodiment. FIG. 7B showsa canted coil spring ring in side view and isometric view withalternating smaller and larger coils that can be formed from the cantedcoil spring length of FIG. 7A. A butted configuration of the same cantedcoil spring ring may also be employed (not shown).

FIG. 8A shows a side view and an isometric view of a canted coil springlength in accordance with another alternative embodiment. FIG. 8B showsa canted coil spring ring in side view and isometric view withalternating smaller and larger coils that can be formed from the cantedcoil spring length of FIG. 8A. A butted configuration of the same cantedcoil spring ring may also be employed (not shown).

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view and an isometric view of a canted coilspring ring with possible different weld locations, shown as dottedcircles, to join two ends of a spring length together. Other methods ofjoining two ends of a canted coil spring length to form a spring ring,such as by threaded, snap-in joint, and engagement by interference ofseveral coils near the coil ends, are contemplated.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view and an isometric view of an alternativecanted coil spring ring with alternating smaller and larger coils withpossible different weld locations, shown as dotted circles, to join twoends of a spring length together.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view and an isometric view of an alternativecanted coil spring ring with alternating smaller and larger coils withpossible different weld locations, shown as dotted circles, to join twoends of a spring length together.

FIG. 12A illustrates a canted coil spring length with alternatingsmaller and larger coils in a side view and an isometric view and FIG.12B illustrates a helical spring length with alternating smaller andlarger coils also in a side view and an isometric view.

FIG. 13A illustrates an alternative canted coil spring length withalternating smaller and larger coils in a side view and an isometricview and FIG. 13B illustrates an alternative helical spring length withalternating smaller and larger coils also in a side view and anisometric view.

FIG. 14A illustrates an alternative canted coil spring length withalternating smaller, medium and larger coils in a side view and anisometric view and FIG. 14B illustrates an alternative helical springlength with alternating smaller, medium and larger coils also in a sideview and an isometric view.

FIGS. 15A-15L show various canted coil spring rings each havingparticular coil cross sections and inner and outer perimeters.

FIGS. 16A-16F illustrate various assemblies each comprising a housingdefining a bore, a shaft inserted in such bore and a canted coil springring engaging both the housing and the shaft.

FIG. 17A and FIGS. 17B(1)-17B(6) show various shaft cross sections thatare usable with different spring ring configurations.

FIGS. 18A-18G show various gasket assemblies.

FIGS. 19 to 22 show canted coil springs having more than two coil sizesthat alternate with each other according to an alternating pattern.

FIG. 23 shows various wire cross sections that may be used to form thecanted coil spring lengths for making the canted coil spring ringdisclosed in the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of the presently preferredembodiments of canted coil spring ring designs with coils havingdifferent dimensions and/or configurations and use of such spring ringsin different applications provided in accordance with aspects of thepresent device, system, and method and is not intended to represent theonly forms in which the present device, system, and method may beconstructed or utilized. The description sets forth the features and thesteps for constructing and using the embodiments of the present device,system, and method in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It isto be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions andstructures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are alsointended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. As denoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers areintended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

With reference now to FIG. 1A, a side view 100 and an isometric view100′ of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring length with aplurality of coils 102 is shown. The spring length 100, 100′ may becoiled from a wire and each coil can be coiled with a coil height orminor axis and a coil width or major axis. In the embodiment shown, awire diameter of 0.0015 inch (“in”), a coil height of 0.007 in and acoil width of 0.009 in are shown. These dimensions are exemplary only.

FIG. 1B shows a side view 110 and an isometric view 110′ of a cantedcoil spring ring generated from the canted coil spring length 100, 100′illustrated in FIG. 1A with a ring inner perimeter 112 and a ring outerperimeter 114. In the embodiment shown, the ring inner perimeter 112 isabout 0.020 in. Further, as the spring ring 110, 110′ of FIG. 1B issubstantially circular in configuration, the inner and outer perimetersmay also be referred to as inner and outer diameters, respectively.

FIG. 1C shows a side view 110 and an isometric view 110′ of the samecanted coil spring ring in its butted configuration in which the coils102 along the inside perimeter 112 contact. In the embodiment shown, theinside perimeter is about 0.012 in when the coils form a butted ringinner diameter.

For discussion purposes, it is hereinafter assumed that the canted coilspring shown in FIG. 1A is the smallest constant coil cross sectioncanted coil spring that can be made given the current industrymanufacturing capabilities. Therefore its coil height-to-wire diameterratio (CH/Θ), the spacing between the coils, and the wire diameter areconsidered to be the minimum feasible values. As further discussedbelow, canted coil spring lengths may be adjusted by changing the coils'configurations to enable further manipulation of the various spring ringparameters.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view 120 and an isometric view 120′ of acanted coil spring length with alternating smaller coils 122 andrelatively larger coils 124 being concentric to each other when viewedin the direction of the spring centerline ℄. In other words, the smallercoils 122 are recessed from the first edge or first side edge 126 andfrom the second edge or second side edge 128 of the larger coils 124. Inthe embodiment shown, the wire diameter is about 0.0015 in, the coilheights are about 0.007 in and about 0.014 in for the smaller 122 andlarger 124 coils, respectively, and the coil widths are about 0.009 inand about 0.018 in for the smaller and larger coils, respectively. Inthe present embodiment, the dimensions of the smaller coils 122 are thesame as the dimensions of the coils 102 of the canted coil spring length120, 120′ shown in FIG. 1A and that the spacing between the smaller andlarger coils is about the same as the spacing between coils 102 of suchcanted coil spring length shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2B shows a side view 130 and an isometric view 130′ of a cantedcoil spring ring generated from the canted coil spring length 120, 120′illustrated in FIG. 2A with a ring inner perimeter 112, such as insidediameter, of about 0.013 in. In the present embodiment, the ring innerperimeter is smaller than the ring inner perimeter of the canted coilspring ring shown in FIG. 1B. However, the ring outer diameter islarger. The relatively smaller inner perimeter 112, 112′ of FIG. 2B ismade possible by decreasing in the coil density stacked along the innerperimeter 112, 112′ to provide greater spacing for forming a relativelytighter spring ring. However, the number of coils 122, 124 per springlength for the embodiment of FIG. 2A compared to the number of coils 102per spring length of FIG. 1A may remain or be the same. As furtherdiscussed below, while the number of coils of the present disclosure iskept generally the same as the constant coil cross section canted coilspring length of FIG. 1A, the improved spacing is provided byalternating the coils along the inner perimeter to provide greaterspacing and therefore better flexibility in rolling the spring lengthinto a tighter shape to form a spring ring.

In the embodiment as shown, the spacing or lower density along the innerperimeter 112 is made possible by providing the coil length 120, 120′with alternating smaller coils 122 and relatively larger coils 124. Uponjoining the two ends, which includes a first end and a second end, ofthe spring length 120, 120′, the smaller coils 122 are each spaced fromthe inner perimeter 112, 112′ of the spring ring 130, 130′ by a gap 132.The ends may be joined by welding, using a snap-fit arrangement, usingthreads, or any known means.

FIG. 2C shows a side view 130 and an isometric view 130″ of the samecanted coil spring ring of FIG. 2B in its butted configuration, which isunderstood to mean a configuration in which two or more coils contactone another along the inner perimeter of the spring ring. As shown, thebutted ring inner perimeter is about 0.006 in and the smaller coils 122crossing and being surrounded by the butted larger coils 124. Note thatthe butted ring inner perimeter 112 is smaller than the butted ringinner perimeter 112 of the canted coil spring ring shown in FIG. 1C. Thebutted ring outer perimeter 114 is larger.

The coil length 120 and the spring ring 130 formed from said lengththerefor has a first plurality of coils 124 each having a first coilmajor axis, a first coil minor axis, and a coil center defined by theintersection of said first coil major and minor axes and a firstcenterline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from saidfirst plurality of coils 124. Each coil of said first plurality of coilscanted along said first centerline, as shown in FIG. 2A. The coil length120 and the spring ring 130 are further understood to include a secondplurality of coils 122 each having a second coil major axis, a secondcoil minor axis, and a coil center defined by the intersection of saidsecond coil major and minor axes and a second centerline defined by theplurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils.Each coil of said second plurality of coils 122 canted along said secondcenterline. Wherein the coils of said first plurality of coils 124alternate with the coils of said second plurality of coils 122 accordingto an alternating pattern. The alternating pattern can vary in coiltypes, as further discussed below with reference to other coil lengthand spring ring embodiments.

With reference specifically to FIGS. 2B and 2C, the coil spring ringcomprises an inner perimeter 112 and an outer perimeter 114, which aredefined by at least said first plurality of coils 124. In other exampleswhere other coils types align with the first plurality of coils 124along the outer perimeter 114, then the outer perimeter 114 may bedefined by the other coils in addition to the first plurality of coils124. The resulting configuration being such that the tendency of thecoils 122, 124 to butt is lower than the tendency of the coils 102 tobutt of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring ring 110 (FIG.1B) made of a similar material, targeting similar conductive properties,and having similar inner and outer perimeters and a similar wire crosssection.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the inner perimeter 112 has a minimumreachable inner perimeter dimension or value being defined as theminimum value of said inner perimeter that can be reached without thecoils having butted, which is smaller than 0.013 in and greater than0.006 in. By spacing the coils at the inner perimeter 112, such asalternating the coils with different sizes along the inner perimeter,the minimum reachable inner perimeter is smaller than the minimumreachable inner perimeter of a constant coil cross section canted coilspring 110 (FIGS. 1B and 1C) having a similar total number of coils andcoil major and minor axes similar to those of either said first orsecond pluralities of coils.

Further, the resulting configuration of the present spring ring 130 issuch that the tendency of the coils to butt is lower than the tendencyof the coils of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring ring110 (FIG. 2C) made of a similar material, targeting a similarelectromagnetic interference shielding capacity and having similar innerand outer perimeters and a similar wire cross section, to butt.

A still yet further aspect of the present disclosure is a method forproducing a canted coil spring ring with optimal inner perimeterdimension or value. The method comprises forming a spring length with aplurality of coils and canting the coils along a same direction formcanted coils and wherein the canted coils include a plurality of atleast two coil types, including a plurality of a first coil type and aplurality of a second coil type. A coil type is understood to refer toeither a particular shaped coil, such as being D-shaped or ellipticalshaped, and/or to two similar shapes but different coil dimensions, suchas different coil heights and coil widths. Connecting the two free endsof the coil length to form a canted coil spring ring having an innerperimeter and an outer perimeter and wherein the inner perimeter isdefined by less than the total number of coils that form the springring. For example, if the spring ring has thirty five total cantedcoils, then the inner perimeter is defined by fewer than thirty fivecoils that align along the inner perimeter. In an embodiment andassuming the second coil type is recessed from the inner perimeter by agap, only the first coil type is aligned along the inner perimeter. Inanother example, a third coil type or a fourth coil type or both but notthe second coil type is or are aligned with the first coil type todefine the inner perimeter. The resultant spring ring will have aminimum reachable inner perimeter being defined as the minimum value ofsaid inner perimeter that can be reached without the coils having buttedand wherein said minimum reachable inner perimeter is smaller than theminimum reachable inner perimeter of a constant coil cross sectioncanted coil spring ring made of a similar material and having a similartotal number of coils and coil major and minor axes similar to those ofeither said first or second pluralities of coils.

As further discussed below, other alternative canted coil spring lengthsand spring rings formed by such spring lengths have similarcharacteristics and advantages as described herein-above, due at leastin part by spacing the inner perimeter to enable the canted coil springlengths to form spring rings with smaller minimum inner perimeterwithout butting than comparable spring lengths with the same wirediameter, wire material, and coil density per unit length.

Thus, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C allows for at leasta smaller ring inner perimeter compared to a spring length havingsimilar coil dimensions without requiring a smaller coil height to wirediameter ratio, a smaller spacing between the coils, i.e., lower coildensity per unit length, or a smaller wire diameter. Said differently,for two different spring coil lengths having at least some similarlysized spring coils made from similar wire diameter and having similarcoil height or coil width or both, the present spring ring can have asmaller inner perimeter than prior art spring ring formed from a similarspring length but with all similarly sized and shaped coils. The presentspring ring may be used with ever smaller pin, shaft, or rod outerdiameter than previously possible by having a smaller inner perimeter.In a particular example, the present spring ring has spring coils thatalternate between smaller coils and relatively larger coils. Thedifferent sized coils allow the coil spacing along the inner perimeterto be spaced to permit a tighter radius. Additionally, the performanceof the present canted coil spring ring mounted in or on a shaft having adiameter equal to the ring inner perimeter may be less sensible to theshaft tolerances because such shaft tolerances represent a smallerpercentage of the larger coils as the larger coils have a wider workingrange of deflection.

Thus, an aspect of the present disclosure is understood to include aspring length having two ends and a plurality of coils of a first coilheight and width and a plurality of coils having a second coil heightand width, which are smaller than the first coil height and width, andwherein the spring length defines a spring ring having an innerperimeter when two ends are joined and wherein the inner perimeter isdefined by the plurality of coils of the first coil height and coilwidth only. In a particular example, the plurality of coils of thesecond coil height and coil width are each recessed from the innerperimeter by a gap. In still yet another example, the plurality of coilsof the second coil height and coil width are recessed from an outerperimeter by a gap. The present spring ring is also understood toinclude a plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil widththat are recessed along the inner perimeter by a gap and the outerperimeter by a gap. In some examples, the two gaps are about the same.In other examples, the gap along the outer perimeter is smaller than thegap along the inner perimeter. In other examples, the gap differencesare reversed.

Wire types usable here in include copper, copper alloy, aluminum,aluminum alloy, gold, gold alloy, silver, silver alloy, brass, and brassalloy. Additional wires include steel material, such as medical gradestainless steel, titanium, noble metals such as platinum or conventionalimplantable grade materials with noble metal coatings, such as platinumover stainless steel. The wire may also be a multi-metallic wire inwhich a base core material is surrounded by one or more other materials.In some examples, the spring has an inner core and an outer layer havingdifferent material compositions with the outer layer comprising at leastone of platinum, iridium, rhodium, rhenium, ruthenium and palladium. Theouter layer should have sufficient thickness to provide the spring withan electrical resistance that is within 20% or less of a spring madeentirely of at least one of platinum, iridium, rhodium, rhenium,ruthenium and palladium. For electrical connector applications, thespring may be used with a housing and a pin or shaft made from stainlesssteel type 316L, MP35N, platinum-iridium, titanium or other conductivematerials.

FIG. 3A illustrates a side view 120 and an isometric 120′ view of acanted coil spring length having a plurality of coils that alternatebetween smaller coils 122 and larger coils 124. In the presentembodiment, the smaller coils and the larger coils are not concentric toeach other but are displaced relative to one another when viewed in thedirection of the spring centerline ℄. As shown, the smaller coils 122are aligned along the first edge 126 with the larger coils 124 but arerecessed from the second edge 128 by a gap 132.

In one example, the spring length 120, 120′ is made from a wire diameterof about 0.0015 in and the coils have coil heights of 0.007 in and 0.011in for the smaller coils and the larger coils, respectively, and coilwidths of 0.009 in and 0.013 in for the smaller coils and the largercoils, respectively. As indicated, the dimensions of the smaller coils122 are the same as the dimensions of the coils 102 of the canted coilspring length 100, 100′ shown in FIG. 1A and the spacing between thesmaller coils 122 and the larger coils 124 of FIG. 3A is the same as thespacing between coils 102 of such canted coil spring length shown inFIG. 1A. Although this typically implies the same inner perimeter sizeas that of the spring ring of FIG. 1B when the spring length isconnected end-to-end to from a garter shaped spring, in the presentembodiment, the inner perimeter can be made smaller relative to thespring ring of FIG. 1B. As disclosed, the inner perimeter coil spacing,such as coil density along the inner perimeter, may be adjusted to allowfor forming a relatively smaller inner perimeter. In one example, theinner perimeter coil spacing may be controlled by alternating the coilsbetween smaller coils and relatively larger coils so that at the innerperimeter more of the larger coils are positioned than the smaller coilsto enable the desired spacing and curving, such as bending of the springlength, to form the spring ring with a relatively smaller innerperimeter dimension.

FIG. 3B shows a side view 130 and an isometric view 130′ of a cantedcoil spring ring formed by connecting the ends of the canted coil springlength 120, 120′ illustrated in FIG. 3A. The formed spring ring 130,130′ has a ring inner diameter or dimension of 0.013 in. In the presentembodiment, the ring inner perimeter 112, 112′ is smaller than the ringinner perimeter 112, 112′ of the canted coil spring ring 110, 110′ shownin FIG. 1B. However, the ring outer perimeter 114, 114′ remains aboutthe same. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2C, the smaller innerperimeter 112, 112′ is made possible by decreasing the coil densitystacked along the inner perimeter although the number of coils perspring length may remain or be the same as that shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3C shows a side view 130 and an isometric view 130′ of the samecanted coil spring ring of FIG. 3B in its butted configuration, which isunderstood to mean a configuration in which two or more coils contactone another along the inner perimeter 112 of the spring ring. As shown,the butted ring inner perimeter is about 0.006 in and the smaller coils122 crossing and being surrounded by the butted larger coils 124. Notethat the butted ring inner perimeter is smaller than the butted ringinner perimeter of the canted coil spring ring shown in FIG. 1C.However, the butted ring outer perimeter 114, 114′ is slightly largerthan the spring ring of FIG. 1C.

Therefore the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C allows for atleast a smaller ring inner perimeter requiring neither a smaller coilheight to wire diameter ratio, a smaller spacing between coils, or asmaller wire diameter. Furthermore, the performance of such or a similarcanted coil spring ring mounted on a shaft having a diameter equal tothe ring inner perimeter may be less sensible to the shaft tolerancesbecause of such shaft tolerances representing a smaller percentage ofthe larger coils. Said differently, by utilizing a spring length withcoil dimensions, such as coil height and coil width, larger than that ofFIG. 1A yet still provide for use with a similar pin or shaft diameteror even smaller diameter than that usable with the spring ring of FIG.1C, the present spring ring is less affected by shaft tolerances sincethe larger coils have a larger range of working deflection. This isknown in the canted coil spring technology area as a generally constantforce over a large spring deflection range, similar to that described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,655,462, the contents of which are expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

In one example, alternating smaller and larger coils for a canted coilspring ring may also be used to provide an improved electromagneticinterference shielding capacity. For example, the spring rings of FIGS.2B, 2C, 3B and 3C are believed to provide improved electromagneticinterference shielding capacity. Note that a constant coil cross sectioncanted coil spring ring complying with certain geometric and materialrequirements may be crowded with additional smaller coils and stillcomply with the same requirements; adding such additional smaller coilsis expected to improve the electromagnetic interference shieldingcapacity of the canted coil spring ring.

Thus, an aspect of the present disclosure is understood to include aspring length having two ends, including a first end and a second end,and a plurality of coils of a first coil height and width and aplurality of coils having a second coil height and width, which aresmaller than the first coil height and width, and wherein the springlength defines a spring ring having an inner perimeter when two ends arejoined and wherein the inner perimeter is defined by the plurality ofcoils of the first coil height and coil width only. In a particularexample, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil widthare recessed from the inner perimeter by a gap. In still yet anotherexample, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil widthare aligned with the plurality of coils of the first coil height andcoil width along an outer perimeter 114. The present spring ring is alsounderstood to include a plurality of coils of the second coil height andcoil width that are recessed along the inner perimeter by a gap butgenerally aligned with the plurality of coils of the first coil heightand coil width along an outer perimeter 114.

FIG. 4A illustrates a side view 100 and an isometric view 100 of aconstant coil cross section canted coil spring length with a wirediameter of 0.0015 in, similar to that of FIG. 1A, a coil height of0.014 in and a coil width of 0.018 in. FIG. 4B shows a side view 110 andan isometric view 110′ of a canted coil spring ring generated from thecanted coil spring length illustrated in FIG. 4A, such as by joining thetwo free ends to form the ring using any number of means, includingwelding, threading, or other mechanical engagement such as snap-fitting.The ring inner perimeter 112 of the spring ring is 0.025 in.

FIG. 5A illustrates a side view 120 and an isometric view 120′ of acanted coil spring length with alternating smaller coils 122 and largercoils 124 being concentric to each other when viewed in the direction ofthe spring centerline ℄. As shown, the spring length is made from a wirediameter of 0.0015 in, coil heights of 0.007 in for the smaller coils122 and 0.014 in for the larger coils and coil widths of 0.009 in forthe smaller coils 122 and 0.018 in for the larger coils. Note that thedimensions of the larger coils are the same as the dimensions of thecoils of the canted coil spring length 100 shown in FIG. 4A and thespacing between the smaller and larger coils 122, 124 is the same as thespacing between coils 102 of the spring length 100 shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5B shows a side view 130 and an isometric view 130′ of a cantedcoil spring ring generated from the canted coil spring length 120illustrated in FIG. 5A, such as by joining the two free ends of thespring length. The present spring ring 130, 130′ has a ring innerperimeter of 0.025 in. The present ring inner perimeter and the ringouter perimeter are the same as those of the canted coil spring ring 110shown in FIG. 4B.

The butting of the coils of the canted coil spring rings illustrated anddescribed in the present application generally begins at the ring innerperimeter. In view of this understanding, it is reasonable to: (1)define effective spacing between coils to refer to the spacing betweenthose coils that describe or define the ring inner perimeter 112; and(2) conclude that the tendency of the coils to butt, such as to contact,is influenced by the effective spacing between coils. As describedelsewhere herein, the present device, system, and method are directed toa spring ring having comparable coil spacing as prior art spring ring,such as comparable number of coils for a given coil length, but whereinthe inner perimeter has improved spacing by recessing some of the coilsfrom the inner perimeter to provide for fewer coils along the innerperimeter, but not coil density, such as total number of coils, for agiven length.

The effective spacing between coils of the canted coil spring ring shownin FIG. 5B doubles the effective spacing between coils of the cantedcoil spring ring shown in FIG. 4B at the inner perimeter 112, thus thetendency for the coils of FIG. 5B to butt is reduced. In order for thespacing of the spring ring 110 of FIG. 4B to increase, for example tohave more space between the coils at the inner perimeter, in order tohave the same or similar reduced tendency for the coils to butt, thespring ring 110 of FIG. 4B would need to reduce the number of coils perspring length, which would result in losing the canted configuration ofits coils and therefore the associated benefits. FIGS. 6A-8B illustratevariations of the canted coil spring shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, as furtherdiscussed below.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B allows for the same ring innerperimeter as the spring ring of FIG. 4B but whereby the spacing at theinner perimeter is improved in that there are fewer coils aligned alongthe inner perimeter and less lower likelihood to butt. The spring ringof FIG. 5B may also be used to provide an improved electromagneticinterference shielding capacity.

An aspect of the present disclosure is understood to include a springlength having two ends and a plurality of coils of a first coil heightand width and a plurality of coils having a second coil height andwidth, which are smaller than the first coil height and width, andwherein the spring length defines a spring ring having an innerperimeter when the two ends are joined and wherein the inner perimeteris defined by the plurality of coils of the first coil height and coilwidth only. In a particular example, the plurality of coils of thesecond coil height and coil width are recessed from the inner perimeterby a gap. In still yet another example, the plurality of coils of thesecond coil height and coil width are recessed from the plurality ofcoils of the first coil height and coil width along an outer perimeter114 by a gap. The present spring ring is also understood to include aplurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width that arerecessed along the inner perimeter by a gap and recessed from the outerperimeter 114 by a gap.

FIG. 6A illustrates a side view 120 and an isometric view 120′ of acanted coil spring length having alternating smaller coils 122 andlarger coils 124 being concentric to each other when viewed in thedirection of the spring centerline ℄. The wire and coil dimensions ofthe present spring length 120, 120′ equal to those of the canted coilspring length shown in FIG. 5A. However, instead of there being a largercoil 124 located between to smaller coils and vice-versa, the largercoils 124 are disposed at every two or more smaller coils 122. In thepresent embodiment, the larger coils are disposed at every six smallercoils 122. Such a particular coil distribution results in a canted coilspring ring with a total of four larger coils 124 only, as best seen inFIG. 6B, which shows a side view 130 and a perspective view 130′ of acanted coil spring ring made from such a canted coil spring length. Thespring ring 130 has a ring inner perimeter of 0.025 in. In the presentembodiment, the ring inner perimeter 112 and outer perimeter 114 arealso the same as those of the canted coil spring ring 110, 110′ shown inFIG. 4B, although the present spring ring 130 has inner and outerperimeters defined by just a few larger coils 124. Therefore, FIGS.6A-6B show that alternating smaller coils 122 and larger coils 124 maybe used to accommodate virtually any coil distribution and yet maintainthe canted configuration of the coils.

Therefore the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B allows for the samering inner perimeter as the spring ring of FIG. 4B but whereby thespacing at the inner perimeter is improved in that there are fewer coilsaligned along the inner perimeter. As shown, only four larger coils 124are aligned to define the inner perimeter 112. The spring ring of FIG.6B may also be used to provide an improved electromagnetic interferenceshielding capacity.

As described, an aspect of the present disclosure is understood toinclude a spring length having two ends and a plurality of coils of afirst coil height and width and a plurality of coils having a secondcoil height and width, which are smaller than the first coil height andwidth, and wherein the spring length defines a spring ring having aninner perimeter when the two ends are joined and wherein the innerperimeter is defined by the plurality of coils of the first coil heightand coil width only. In a particular example, the plurality of coils ofthe second coil height and coil width are recessed from the innerperimeter by a gap 132. In still yet another example, the plurality ofcoils of the second coil height and coil width are recessed from theplurality of coils of the first coil height and coil width along anouter perimeter 114 by a gap 132. The present spring ring is alsounderstood to include a plurality of coils of the second coil height andcoil width that are recessed along the inner perimeter by a gap andrecessed from the outer perimeter 114 by a gap. In a specific example,for each plurality of coils of the first coil height and coil width,there are three or more coils of the second coil height and coil width.

FIG. 7A illustrates a side view 120 and an isometric view 120′ of acanted coil spring length having alternating smaller coils 122 andlarger coils 124 that are eccentric or displaced relative to one anotherwhen viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄. Saiddifferently, the smaller coils 122 are aligned with the first edge 126and recessed from the second edge 128 by a gap 132. The dimensions ofthe present spring length include a wire diameter of 0.0015 in, coilheights of 0.011 in and 0.014 in for smaller coils 122 and larger coils124, respectively, and coil widths of 0.013 in and 0.018 in for smallercoils 122 and larger coils 124, respectively. As shown, the dimensionsof the larger coils 124 are the same as the dimensions of the coils 102of the canted coil spring length shown in FIG. 4A and the spacingbetween the smaller coils 122 and larger coils 124 of the presentembodiment is the same as the spacing between coils of the canted coilspring length shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 7B shows a side view 130 and an isometric view 130′ of a cantedcoil spring ring generated from the canted coil spring length 120, 120′illustrated in FIG. 7A, such as by joining the spring length's two freeends. As shown, the spring ring 130, 130′ has a ring inner perimeter 112of 0.025 in. The ring inner perimeter 112 and the ring outer perimeter114 are the same as those of the canted coil spring ring shown in FIG.4B. However, the effective spacing between coils, which is the same asthat of the canted coil spring ring shown in FIG. 5B, doubles theeffective spacing between coils of such canted coil spring length shownin FIG. 4A. Said differently, the spacing for the coils 124 that alignalong the inner perimeter 112 of the present spring ring 130 is twicethe spacing of the coils 102 that align along the inner perimeter 112 ofthe spring ring 110 of FIG. 4B. However, the spacing for the coils 122,124 that align along the outer perimeter 114 of the present spring ring130 is the same as for the coils 102 that align along the outerperimeter 114 of the spring ring 110 of FIG. 4B.

Therefore the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7B allows for the samering inner perimeter 112 as the spring ring of FIG. 4B but whereby thespacing at the inner perimeter 112 is improved in that there are fewercoils aligned along the inner perimeter. As shown, the spacing of thecoils 124 that align along the inner perimeter is twice that of thecoils 102 of FIG. 4B and wherein the coil density, such as number oftotal coils for a given length, is the same for both spring lengths. Thespring ring 130, 130′ of FIG. 7B may also be used to provide an improvedelectromagnetic interference shielding capacity.

As described, an aspect of the present disclosure is understood toinclude a spring length having two ends, which includes a first end anda second end, and a plurality of coils of a first coil height and widthand a plurality of coils having a second coil height and width, whichare smaller than the first coil height and width, and wherein the springlength defines a spring ring having an inner perimeter when the two endsare joined and wherein the inner perimeter is defined by the pluralityof coils of the first coil height and coil width only. In a particularexample, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil widthare recessed from the inner perimeter by a gap 132. In still yet anotherexample, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil widthare aligned with the plurality of coils of the first coil height andcoil width along an outer perimeter 114. The present spring ring is alsounderstood to include a plurality of coils of the second coil height andcoil width that are recessed along the inner perimeter by a gap andaligned with the outer perimeter 114.

FIG. 8A illustrates a side view 120 and an isometric view 120′ of acanted coil spring length having alternating smaller coils 122 andlarger coils 124 that are eccentric or displaced relative to one anotherwhen viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄. Saiddifferently, the smaller coils 122 are aligned with the first edge 126and recessed from the second edge 128 by a gap 132. For the presentspring length 120, 120′ of FIG. 8A, the wire and coil dimensions areequal to those of the canted coil spring length shown in FIG. 7A.However, instead of there being a larger coil 124 located between everyother smaller coil 122, the larger coils 124 are disposed at every twoor more smaller coils 122, which in the present embodiment is every sixsmaller coils 122. The present configuration results in a canted coilspring ring with a total of four larger coils 124 only, as seen in FIG.7B, which shows a side view 130 and an isometric view 130′ of a cantedcoil spring ring generated from the canted coil spring length 120, 120′of FIG. 7A. The spring ring 130, 130′ has a ring inner perimeter 112 of0.025 in. As shown, the ring inner perimeter 112 and the outer perimeter114 are also the same as those of the canted coil spring ring shown inFIG. 4B, although in this case the inner perimeter being defined by justa few larger coils 124.

Therefore, canted coil spring ring designs of those illustrated in FIGS.5B to 8B or similar spring rings allow for improved effective spacingbetween coils of a canted coil spring ring at least along the innerperimeter 112 over comparable spring rings with similar number of totalcoils without losing the canted configuration of the coils, such asemploying fewer coils, smaller coil dimensions, different wire diameter,etc. The spring rings of the present device, system, and method may beused to adjust the force and/or conductive properties, such aselectrical or thermal, of a canted coil spring ring and yet conform topossibly inflexible space constraints.

FIGS. 3A-B, 7A-B and 8A-B described herein illustrate different cantedcoil springs with alternating smaller coils 122 and larger coils 124 notbeing concentric to each other but displaced relative to one anotherwhen viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄. Regarding thespring ring embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3B, 7B and 8B, the outerperimeter defined by the smaller coils, such as the outer projections ofthe outer edges of the smaller coils only, coincides with the outerperimeter 114 of the canted coil spring ring. Such spring ringconfiguration: (1) allows for the ring inner perimeter 112 to be reducedwithout having to increase the spring ring outer perimeter 114, whichmay be of interest when the purpose is to help with miniaturization ofcomponents; and (2) maintains the contact surface area at the ring outerperimeter 114, which may be of interest in conductive applications, suchas for electrical or thermal, in which the spring ring is locatedbetween a conductive housing having a bore and a conductive pin, alsosometimes referred to as a shaft or rod.

With reference now to FIG. 9, a side view 110 and a perspective view110′ of a spring ring are shown. The enlarged sections 9A, 9A′ of FIG. 9show possible weld locations 140 for joining two ends of a spring lengthto form the spring ring for a constant coil cross section canted coilspring ring. As shown, the possible weld locations are: the centerportion 142 of the side coil, the center portion 144 of the back coil,the portion 146 of a coil located at the ring inner perimeter 112, andthe portion 148 of a coil located at the ring outer perimeter 114.

With reference now to FIG. 10, a side view 130 and a perspective view130′ of a spring ring are shown. The enlarged sections 10A, 10A′ of FIG.10 show possible weld locations 140 for joining two ends, for exampleforming a weld 140 to form the spring ring having coils that alternatebetween larger coils 124 and smaller coils 122. As shown, the possibleweld locations are: the center portion 150 of any side coil, the centerportion 152 of any back coil, the portion 154 of any coil locatednearest to or at the ring inner perimeter 112, and the portion 156 ofany coil located nearest to or at the ring outer perimeter 114. Asshown, the smaller coils 122 are recessed at both the inner and outerperimeters of the spring ring.

Other methods of joining two ends of a canted coil spring length to forma spring ring are contemplated, such as by threading, snap-in joint, andengagement by interference of several coils near the coil ends.

With reference now to FIG. 11, a side view 130 and a perspective view130′ of a spring ring are shown. The enlarged sections 11A, 11A′ of FIG.11 show possible weld locations 140 for joining two ends, for exampleforming a weld 140 to form the spring ring having coils that alternatebetween larger coils 124 and smaller coils 122. As shown, the possibleweld locations are: the center portion 150 of any side coil, the centerportion 152 of any back coil, the portion 154 of any coil locatednearest to or at the ring inner perimeter 112, and the portion 156 ofany coil located nearest to or at the ring outer perimeter 114. Asshown, the smaller coils 122 are recessed at the inner perimeter 112 butare aligned with the larger coils 124 along the outer perimeter 114 ofthe spring ring 130, 130′.

FIG. 12A illustrates a side view 120 and an isometric view 120′ of thecanted coil spring length shown in FIG. 5A while FIG. 12B shows ahelical spring length in side view 160 and perspective view 160′, havingalternating smaller coils 122 and larger coils 124 being concentric toeach other when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄,i.e., the smaller coils 122 are recessed from the first side edge 126 bya gap 132 and recessed from the second side edge 128 by a gap 132. Inone example, the gaps at the first side edge 126 and the second sideedge 128 are generally the same. In another example, the gaps at thefirst side edge 126 and the second side edge 128 are different. Asshown, the spring length 160, 160′ of FIG. 12B has the same wirediameter and similar coil dimensions as the spring length 120, 120′ ofFIG. 12A. The spring length 160, 160′ of FIG. 12B may be joined at itstwo ends to form a spring ring for mounting onto a pin, shaft, or rod.

FIG. 13A shows a side view 120 and an isometric view 120′ of the cantedcoil spring length shown in FIG. 7A, while FIG. 13B shows a helicalspring length in side view 160 and perspective view 160′ havingalternating smaller coils 122 and larger coils 124 not being concentricto each other but displaced relative to one another when viewed in thedirection of the spring centerline ℄, i.e., the smaller coils 122 arealigned at the first side edge 126 but are recessed from the second sideedge 128 by a gap 132. As shown, the spring length 160, 160′ of FIG. 13Bhas the same wire diameter and similar coil dimensions as the springlength 120, 120′ of FIG. 13A. The spring length 160, 160′ of FIG. 13Bmay be joined at its two ends to form a spring ring for mounting onto apin, shaft, or rod.

FIG. 14A shows a side view 120 and an isometric view 120′ of analternative canted coil spring length design comprising a canted coilspring length having alternating smaller coils 122, medium coils 166,and larger coils 124. The smaller coils 122 and larger coils 124 beingconcentric to each other when viewed in the direction of the springcenterline ℄ and the medium coils 166 and the larger coils 124 beingdisplaced relative to one another when viewed in the same direction ofthe centerline ℄. In other words, the smaller coils 122 are recessedfrom the first side edge 126 by a gap 132 and recessed from the secondside edge 128 by a gap 132. The medium coils 166 are aligned with thefirst side edge 126 but are recessed from the second side edge 128 by agap 132. FIG. 14B shows a helical spring length in side view 160 andperspective view 160′ having smaller coils 122, medium coils 166, andlarger coils 124. The smaller coils 122 and the larger coils 124 areconcentric to each other when viewed in the direction of the springcenterline, i.e., the smaller coils 122 are recessed from the first sideedge 126 by a gap 132 and recessed from the second side edge 128 by agap 132. In one example, the gaps at the first side edge 126 and thesecond side edge 128 are generally the same. The medium coils 166 andthe larger coils 124 are displaced relative to one another when viewedin the same direction of the ℄, the medium coils 166 are aligned at thefirst side edge 126 but are recessed from the second side edge 128 by agap 132. As shown, the spring length 160, 160′ of FIG. 14B has the samewire diameter and similar coil dimensions as the spring length 120, 120′of FIG. 14A. The spring length 160, 160′ of FIG. 13B may be joined atits two ends to form a spring ring for mounting onto a pin, shaft, orrod.

All canted coil springs shown and described herein have elliptical coilcross sections. In other words, when viewing the coils down the springcenterline ℄, the coils have an elliptical shape in which the col heightis smaller than the coil width. However, not only do elliptical coilsbut also non-elliptical coils may be considered and practiced inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIGS. 15A and 15Bshow canted coil spring rings 130 having alternating smaller ellipticalcoils 122 and larger elliptical coils 124. Spring sections 172 and 174of FIG. 15A show the relative positions of the coils 122, 124 whenviewed along the mid-line 170 of the spring ring 130 of FIG. 15A. Springsections 172 and 174 of FIG. 15B show the relative positions of thecoils 122, 124 when viewed along the mid-line 170 of the spring ring 130of FIG. 15B.

FIG. 15C shows a canted coil spring ring 130 having alternating smallerelliptical coils 122 and larger square coils 190. Spring sections 172and 174 of FIG. 15C show the relative positions of the coils 122, 190when viewed along the mid-line 170 of the spring ring 130 of FIG. 15C.FIG. 15D shows a canted coil spring ring 130 having alternating smallersquare coils 192 and larger square coils 190. Spring sections 172 and174 of FIG. 15D show the relative positions of the coils 190, 192 whenviewed along the mid-line 170 of the spring ring 130 of FIG. 15D.

FIG. 15E shows a canted coil spring ring 130 having alternating smallerelliptical coils 122 and larger D shaped coils 196. Spring sections 172and 174 of FIG. 15E show the relative positions of the coils 122, 196when viewed along the mid-line 170 of the spring ring 130 of FIG. 15E.As shown, the smaller coils 122 are recessed from the inner and outerperimeters defined by the larger D shaped coils 196. The gaps 132 at theinner and outer perimeters 112, 114 are approximately the same but inother embodiments they can differ. FIG. 15G show a canted coil springring 130 having alternating smaller elliptical coils 122 and larger Dshaped coils 196. Spring sections 172 and 174 of FIG. 15G show therelative positions of the coils 122, 196 when viewed along the mid-line170 of the spring ring 130 of FIG. 15G. As shown, the smaller coils 122are recessed from the inner and outer perimeters defined by the larger Dshaped coils 196. The gap 132 or amount of recess at the outer perimeter114 differs from the gap 132 at the inner perimeter 112.

FIG. 15F shows a canted coil spring ring 130 having alternating smallerD shaped coils 198 and larger D shaped coils 196. Spring sections 172and 174 of FIG. 15F show the relative positions of the coils 196, 198when viewed along the mid-line 170 of the spring ring 130 of FIG. 15F.As shown, the smaller D shaped coils 198 are recessed from the innerperimeter 112 defined by the larger D shaped coils 196 but are generallyaligned with the outer perimeter 114. FIG. 15H shows a canted coilspring ring 130 having alternating smaller D shaped coils 198 and largerD shaped coils 196. Spring sections 172 and 174 of FIG. 15H show therelative positions of the coils 196, 198 when viewed along the mid-line170 of the spring ring 130 of FIG. 15F. As shown, the smaller D shapedcoils 198 are recessed from the inner perimeter 112 defined by thelarger D shaped coils 196 but are generally aligned with the outerperimeter 114. The smaller D shaped coils 196 in the embodiment of FIG.15F face, i.e., having curved sections and straighter sections, in theopposite direction compared to the smaller D shaped coils 196 in theembodiment of FIG. 15H.

FIG. 15I shows a canted coil spring ring 130 having alternating smallerelliptical coils 122 and larger coils 200 having a depressed outerportion 202 depressed toward the exterior of the spring ring. Springsections 172 and 174 of FIG. 15I show the relative positions of thecoils 122, 200 when viewed along the mid-line 170 of the spring ring 130of FIG. 15I. FIG. 15J shows a canted coil spring ring 130 havingalternating smaller coils 204 and larger coils 200 with both havingdepressed outer portions 202 depressed toward the exterior of the springring. In alternative embodiments, the depressed portions 202 of FIGS.151 and 15J may be rotated or positioned along the inner perimeter 112.The depressed portions are configured to increase the contact points orsurface areas between the coils and the surface that the coils come incontact with. This in turn lowers resistance for current or electricflow through the coils.

FIG. 15K shows a canted coil spring ring 130 having alternating smallerelliptical coils 122 and larger coils 200 having depressed inner andouter portions 202. Spring sections 172 and 174 of FIG. 15K show therelative positions of the coils 122, 200 when viewed along the mid-line170 of the spring ring 130 of FIG. 15K. FIG. 15L shows a canted coilspring ring 130 having alternating smaller coils 204 having depressedouter portions 202 along the spring ring outer perimeter 114 and largercoils 200 having depressed inner and outer portions 202 along the springring inner perimeter 112 and outer perimeter 114.

With reference again to FIGS. 15E to 15H, different possible ways togenerate D shaped coil cross sections, i.e., D shaped coils, are shown.D shaped coils shown in FIGS. 15E and 15F are achieved by flattening theouter portion of the coils, whereas those shown in FIGS. 15G and 15H areachieved by bending the coils so that the inner portion has a firstcanting angle and the outer portion has a second canting angle, thefirst canting angle being smaller than the second canting angle.

The canted coil spring rings illustrated herein having smaller andlarger coils displaced relative to one another when viewed in thedirection of the spring centerline have the ring outer perimeter definedby both the smaller and the larger coils. However, a canted coil springring may have smaller and larger coils displaced relative to one anotherwhen viewed in the referred direction and yet have the ring outerperimeter defined by the larger coils only.

FIGS. 16A-F show different connector assemblies 210 with each comprisinga housing 212 having a bore 214 receiving a shaft 216, which may also bereferred to as a pin or a rod, inserted into the bore 214 with a cantedcoil spring ring 130 disposed in the bore and biasing against thehousing 212 and the shaft 216. As shown, the spring ring 130 comprisesalternating smaller coils 218 and larger coils 220 engaging the housingand the shaft. With reference specifically to FIG. 16A, the spring ring130 shown may embody any of the spring ring discussed elsewhere hereinhaving alternating smaller coils and relatively larger coils positionedin a housing groove 222, which has a groove bottom 224 and two sidewalls226, 228. As shown, the groove bottom is a V-groove. In another example,the V-groove has a flat surface located between the two taperedsurfaces. The groove bottom 224 may alternatively have a single slantedsurface relative to the shaft centerline or a complex curve. As shown,the two sidewalls 226, 228 are generally parallel to one another. Inanother example, the two sidewalls are not generally parallel to oneanother, such as being tapered relative to the housing centerline. Theshaft 216 is shown with a tapered insertion end 230 for lifting thecoils 218, 220 during insertion of the shaft. The shaft 216 is shownwithout a shaft groove. In another example, the shaft has an externalshaft groove and the connector has a pair of grooves.

In general, the present spring embodiments with unique capabilities thatenable them to have smaller inner perimeters may be used with connectorsthat may be categorized as a holding connector, a latching connector, ora locking connector. These connectors typically include a housing and apin and the canted coil spring is used therebetween the secure the twotogether. A holding connector is understood to utilize a spring forceprovided by the canted coil spring against a flat surface so thatfriction and the spring force prevent the pin and the housing fromseparating. A holding connector can have a single groove on the insidebore of the housing or on an exterior surface of the pin. A latchingconnector is understood to include a pair of grooves, one on or in thehousing bore and one on an exterior surface of the pin. The spring istrapped between the pair of grooves to latch the pin to the housing.Separation is possible by moving the pin and the housing relative to oneanother without destroying the spring. A locking connector has a pair ofgrooves like a latching connector. However, due to the groove geometriesfor the pair of grooves in the locking connector, the pin cannotseparate from the housing without destroying the spring. If separationis attempted, the spring can be plastically deformed. Thus, inaccordance with this understanding, the canted coil springs having theunique inner perimeter spacing characteristics discussed herein areusable with any connector having any groove geometry for purposes ofholding, latching, or locking application. Exemplary locking connectorsare disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,411,348 and 5,082,390, the contents ofwhich are expressly incorporated herein by reference for purposes ofteaching groove geometries for use with the present spring rings forlocking applications. Exemplary latching and locking connectors aredisclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2010-0090379A1, Ser. No. 12/614,769,the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference forpurposes of teaching groove geometries for use with the present springrings for locking and latching applications.

FIG. 16B shows a connector 210 that is similar to the connector of FIG.16A but wherein the housing groove has a groove bottom 224 that isgenerally flat, i.e., generally parallel, relative to the centerline ofthe shaft 216. In another example, the groove bottom 224 tapers relativeto the shaft centerline. As shown, the two sidewalls 226, 228 aregenerally parallel to one another. In another example, the two sidewallsare not generally parallel to one another.

The shaft 216 is shown with a tapered insertion end 230 for lifting thecoils 218, 220 during insertion of the shaft. The shaft 216 is shownwithout a shaft groove. In another example, the shaft has an externalshaft groove.

FIGS. 16C and 16D show two connector assemblies 210 each with a housing212 having a bore 214 having a shaft or pin 216 disposed therein and acanted coil spring ring 130 positioned therebetween and biasing againstboth the housing 212 and the pin 216. In the two embodiments, the spring130 is located in a pin groove 232, which comprises two groove surfaces234, 236. The housings 212 of FIGS. 16C and 16D do not incorporate ahousing groove. As shown, the pin groove 232 is a V-groove. In anotherexample, a generally flat bottom surface is located between the twogroove surfaces 234, 236. The spring 130 shown in FIG. 16C has smallercoils 218 and relatively larger coils 220 that are concentric to eachother when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄, i.e.,wherein the smaller coils 218 are recessed from the inner perimeter 112of the spring ring 130 by a gap and the outer perimeter 114 by a gap.The spring 130 shown in FIG. 16D has smaller coils 218 and relativelylarger coils 220 that are eccentric to each other when viewed in thedirection of the spring centerline ℄, i.e., wherein the smaller coils218 are recessed from the inner perimeter 112 of the spring ring 130 bya gap but are aligned with the larger coils 220 along the outerperimeter 114 by a gap. However, any of the spring rings discussedelsewhere herein may be used for the spring ring 130 of FIGS. 16C and16D.

FIG. 16E shows a connector 210 where both the housing 212 and the pin216 are grooved for retaining the spring ring 130. As shown, the housing212 resembles that of FIG. 16A and has a groove 222 that can embody anyof the groove geometries described and incorporated herein by reference.The pin groove 232 shown in FIG. 16E has a bottom surface 240 locatedbetween two sidewalls 242, 244. In one example, the bottom surface 240is generally parallel to the pin centerline with other configurationscontemplated. The first sidewall 242 is shown with a taper while thesecond sidewall 244 is shown generally orthogonal to the shaftcenterline. In other examples, the sidewalls 242, 244 have differentconfigurations, such as being reversed, both are generally orthogonal tothe shaft centerline, both are tapered, etc. The pin groove 232 may alsobe sized and shaped so that the pin groove contacts the spring coils atmultiple surfaces when latched. For example, the pin groove 232 of FIG.16E may be a V-groove and both slanted surfaces of the V-groove contactthe spring ring when latched.

FIG. 16F shows a connector assembly 210 that is similar to that of FIG.16E but where the housing groove 222 is similar to that of FIG. 16B. Forboth connectors 210, the spring ring 130 may be any of the spring ringsdiscussed elsewhere herein and the housing groove 222 and pin groove 232may embody any of the groove geometries described or incorporated hereinby reference.

Although spring rings, i.e., garter-shaped springs or circular shapedsprings, are discussed extensively herein, the present device, system,and method include non-circular coil spring rings. With reference to theconnector 210 of FIG. 17A, a housing 212 is shown with a bore 214 havinga pin 216 disposed therein and a spring ring 130 biased against thehousing and the pin. The connector 210, including the spring 130, mayembody one of the connectors discussed elsewhere herein. In the presentembodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the shaft 216 may be circularor non-circular.

With reference to FIG. 17B(1), a cross-sectional end view of the shaft216 of FIG. 17A is shown taken along line A-A. As shown, the shaft has acircular shaft cross section. However, FIG. 17B(2) show the same shaft216 can have a non-circular cross-section, such as having an ellipticalshaft cross section taken along the same view. FIGS. 17B(3) to 17B(6)show additional alternative shaft cross-sections, including aquadrangular shape 254, a rectangular shape 256, a triangular shape 258,and a hexagonal shape 260. However, any other ring shape shaftcross-section is contemplated and understood to fall within the scope ofthe present application. The multi-sided shafts of FIGS. 17B(3) to17B(6) may generically be referred to as a shaft with a polygonal shapecross-section.

FIGS. 18A-18D show various gasket assemblies 270 each comprising agroove 272 receiving a canted coil spring ring 130 having alternatingsmaller coils 218 and larger coils 220. The groove 272 is sized andshaped to position the spring ring 130, such as to hold the spring inthe groove in a certain orientation, so that the spring can be loaded ina selected direction, referred to as a loading direction. The loadingdirection in the gasket assemblies 270 of FIGS. 18A to 18D is parallelto the sidewalls 274, 276 of the groove 272 and to the minor axis orcoil height of the coils. The spring rings 130 of the various gasketassemblies may embody any of the spring ring discussed elsewhere herein.

With reference now to the gasket assemblies 270 of FIGS. 18E-18G, theloading direction of the gasket assemblies is parallel to the side walls274, 276 of the groove 272 and the major axis or coil width of thecoils. However, none of these parallelisms is required. FIGS. 18E to 18Geach shows a groove 272 having a convex bottom surface 278 disposedaslant to the sidewalls 274, 276. Such bottom surface 278 may be concaveinstead and it may form a right angle with the sidewalls 274-276. Thespring rings 130 of the various gasket assemblies may embody any of thespring ring discussed elsewhere herein.

FIGS. 19 to 22 show canted coil springs having more than two pluralityof coils alternating with each other according to an alternatingpattern. For example, these canted coil springs have a first through Nthplurality of coils having Nth different coil sizes, i.e., Nth differentcoil widths and coils heights, where “N” represents a whole integer.

With reference now to FIG. 19, a side view of an alternative springlength 120 is shown, which comprises a plurality of coils withalternating coil sizes. As shown, the spring length 120 comprises threelarger coils 124 each having a first coil height and coil width (calleda first set of coil dimensions) that are spaced from three smaller coils122 with each having a second coil height and coil width (called asecond set of coil dimensions), which are smaller than the first set ofcoil dimensions. A plurality of intermediate coils 290 having coilwidths and coil heights of values between the first and the second setof coil dimensions are located between the larger coils 124 and thesmaller coils 122. In the present embodiment, three intermediate coils292, 294, 296 having three different intermediate coil dimensions areincorporated. Each intermediate coil has a coil width and a coil heightwhich differ from the adjacent intermediate coil width and coil height.As shown, the intermediate coil 292 is larger than the intermediate coil294 and which is larger than the intermediate coil 296. The largestintermediate coil 292 is located closest to the larger coils 124 whereasthe smaller intermediate coil 296 is located closest to the smallercoils 122. Thus, the spring length 120 of FIG. 19 has the following coilalternating pattern: large coils 124, intermediate coils 290, smallcoils 122, intermediate coils 290, and then repeat. In an example, thereare three large coils 124, three intermediate coils 290, and three smallcoils 122. In a specific example, the three large coils have the samecoil dimensions, the three small coils have the same coil dimensions,and the three intermediate coils have different dimensions that verybetween the large and the small coil dimensions.

The spring length 120 of FIG. 19 is connectable at its two ends to forma spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. Inthe present embodiment, the spring ring formed from said spring length120 of FIG. 19 will have had inner and outer perimeters defined by thethree consecutively positioned larger coils 124. The intermediate coils290 and the smaller coils 122 would be located between adjacent sets oflarger coils 124. The effective spacing between coils of the canted coilspring ring formed from the spring length 120 of FIG. 19 will haveimproved coil spacing along the inner perimeter and therefore lesslikely to be butted along the inner perimeter compared to a similarcanted coil spring made entirely from the same larger coils 124.

The spring length 120 of FIG. 20 shows yet another alternative springlength 120 provided in accordance with aspects of the present device,system, and method. As shown, the spring length 120 comprises aplurality of coils with the following coil alternating pattern: a singlelarge coil 124, a single first intermediate coil 292, a single secondintermediate coil 294, a small coil 122, and then repeat. The springlength 120 of FIG. 20 is connectable at its two ends to form a springring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. In thepresent embodiment, the spring ring formed from said spring length 120of FIG. 20 will have had inner and outer perimeters defined by thelarger coils 124. The intermediate coils 292, 294 and the smaller coils122 would be located between adjacent larger coils 124.

The spring length 120 of FIG. 21 shows yet another alternative springlength 120 provided in accordance with aspects of the present device,system, and method. As shown, the spring length 120 comprises aplurality of coils with the following coil alternating pattern: a singlelarge coil 124, a single first intermediate coil 292, a single secondintermediate coil 294, two consecutive small coils 122, a single secondintermediate coil 294, a single first intermediate coil 292, and thenrepeat. The spring length 120 of FIG. 21 is connectable at its two endsto form a spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outerperimeter. In the present embodiment, the spring ring formed from saidspring length 120 of FIG. 21 will have had inner and outer perimetersdefined by the larger coils 124. The intermediate coils 292, 294 and thesmaller coils 122 would be located between adjacent larger coils 124.

The spring length 120 of FIG. 22 shows yet another alternative springlength 120 provided in accordance with aspects of the present device,system, and method. As shown, the spring length 120 comprises aplurality of coils with the following coil alternating pattern: a singlelarge coil 124, a single first intermediate coil 292, a single secondintermediate coil 294, a single small coil 122, a single secondintermediate coil 294, a single first intermediate coil 292, and thenrepeat. The spring length 120 of FIG. 22 is connectable at its two endsto form a spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outerperimeter. In the present embodiment, the spring ring formed from saidspring length 120 of FIG. 22 will have had inner and outer perimetersdefined by the larger coils 124. The intermediate coils 292, 294 and thesmaller coils 122 would be located between adjacent larger coils 124.

In other examples, spring lengths of different coil alternating patternsare contemplated. Also, while the spring lengths 120 of FIGS. 19-22 havecoils that are concentric to each other when viewed in the direction ofthe spring centerline ℄, the coils can be eccentric or aligned to thefirst side edge 126.

Still further, when a canted coil spring ring is described having afirst coil type alternating with a second coil type to form a ring withan outer perimeter and an inner perimeter defined by the first coil typeonly, the spring ring can include additional coil type or types. Forexample, the spring lengths of FIGS. 19-22 have coils that alternatebetween the larger coils 124 and the smaller coils 122 but wherein othercoil types, such as intermediate coils 290, can also alternate betweenthe larger coils 124 and the smaller coils. Thus, unless the contextindicates otherwise, the reference to only a first coil type alternatingwith a second coil type does not exclude a spring length or spring ringhaving other coil types, which is understood to mean different coilshape and/or coil dimensions.

In another example, although less preferred, any of the foregoing springlengths described in accordance with aspects of the present disclosuremay include other coil type or types positioned along with the largestcoils to define the inner perimeter. For example, with reference to FIG.19 in which multiple coil types are shown, one or two of theintermediate coil types, such as coil 292, coil 294 or coil 296, mayalign along the inner perimeter, such as aligned with the second sideedge 128. This will also reduce the inner perimeter dimension for thatparticular spring length when connecting the two free ends to from aspring ring compared to a constant coil cross section canted coil springring made of a similar material and having a similar total number ofcoils.

FIG. 23 shows various wire cross sections that may be used to form thecanted coil spring lengths for forming any of the disclosed spring ringsshown and described herein. The exemplary wires include the followingwire cross sections, in addition to being round: an elliptical wire 300,a flat wire 302, a polygonal wire 304, a star shaped wire 306, and aU-shaped wire 308. Other shaped wires are contemplated.

Although limited embodiments of canted coil springs and connectorassemblies and their components have been specifically described andillustrated herein, many modifications and variations will be apparentto those skilled in the art. For example, the various canted coilsprings and connector assemblies may incorporate different metalcladdings or different platings, may be used in different endapplications, etc. For example, the connectors described with referenceto 16A-16F may be used in any number of industries, including inaerospace, automotive, military defense, consumer electronics, oil andgas, etc. Furthermore, it is understood and contemplated that featuresspecifically discussed for one canted coil spring and connector assemblyembodiment may be adopted for inclusion with another canted coil springand connector assembly embodiment, provided the functions arecompatible. For example, while one connector is described with certaingroove geometry and a certain spring ring, different groove geometriesand different spring rings with different coil alternating patterns maybe used that are described elsewhere herein. Accordingly, it is to beunderstood that the canted coil springs and connector assemblies andtheir components constructed according to principles of the discloseddevice, system, and method may be embodied other than as specificallydescribed herein. The disclosure is also defined in the followingclaims. Still furthermore, where one feature of an embodiment is shownbut not expressly described but the same or similar feature is shown anddescribed in another embodiment, the disclosed part may be understood todescribe or teach the same or similar feature in the other disclosed butnot expressly described embodiment. The disclosure is thereforeunderstood to teach a person of ordinary skill in the art the disclosedembodiments without having to repeat similar components in allembodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A canted coil spring ring comprising: a first plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes; a first centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils, and each coil of said first plurality of coils canted along said first centerline; a second plurality of coils each having a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes; a second centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils, and each coil of said second plurality of coils canted along said second centerline; wherein the coils of said first plurality of coils alternate with the coils of said second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern; wherein the spring ring comprises an inner perimeter defined by said first plurality of coils only; said inner perimeter having a minimum reachable inner perimeter, which is defined as a minimum value that can be reached without the first plurality of coils having butted; said minimum reachable inner perimeter being smaller than a minimum reachable inner perimeter of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring having a similar total number of coils and coil major and minor axes similar to those of either said first or second pluralities of coils; wherein a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coils is moved through at least one coil of said first plurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil spring ring; and wherein only the first plurality of coils each have a depressed outer portion depressed towards the interior of the first plurality of coils along the inner perimeter defined by the first plurality of coils and another depressed outer portion depressed towards the interior of the first plurality of coils along an outer perimeter defined by the first plurality of coils.
 2. The coil spring ring of claim 1, wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils is elliptical.
 3. The coil spring ring of claim 1, wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils is D shaped.
 4. The coil spring ring of claim 1, wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils has at least one portion depressed toward the interior of the coil.
 5. The coil spring ring of claim 1, wherein the alternating pattern comprises a coil from the first plurality of coils positioned next to a coil from the second plurality of coils and then repeating the alternating pattern.
 6. The coil spring ring of claim 1, wherein the alternating pattern comprises a coil from the first plurality of coils positioned next to two or more coils from the second plurality of coils and then repeating the alternating pattern.
 7. The coil spring of claim 1, wherein a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coils extends through at least one coil of said first plurality of coils.
 8. A method of forming a canted coil spring ring, said method comprising the steps: forming a first plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes; the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils defining a first centerline; canting each coil of said first plurality of coils along said first centerline; forming a second plurality of coils each having a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes; the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils defining a second centerline; canting each coil of said second plurality of coils along said second centerline; joining the ends of said first and second pluralities of coils to generate a coil spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter with the inner perimeter defined by said first plurality of coils only; said inner perimeter having a minimum reachable inner perimeter, which is defined as a minimum value that can be reached without the first plurality of coils having butted; said minimum reachable inner perimeter being smaller than a minimum reachable inner perimeter of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring having a similar total number of coils and coil major and minor axes similar to those of either said first or second pluralities of coils; wherein the coils of said first plurality of coils and said second plurality of coils are alternated according to an alternating pattern; wherein said resulting configuration causes a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coils to be moved through at least one coil of said first plurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil spring ring; and wherein the ends of said first and second pluralities of coils are joined by welding a center portion of a side coil, a center portion of a back coil, a portion of a coil located nearest to or at the inner perimeter, or a portion of a coil located nearest to or at the outer perimeter.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising placing said spring ring inside a bore of a housing and inserting a pin through a center of the spring ring.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the housing has a housing groove, the pin has a pin groove or the housing and the pin can each have a groove.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the housing groove has a V-groove.
 12. The method of claim 8, further comprising forming the first plurality of coils from a wire cross-section having a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a flat rectangular shape, a square shape, a polygonal shape, a star shape, or a U-shape.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coils extends through at least one coil of said first plurality of coils.
 14. A canted coil spring ring comprising: a first plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes; a first centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils, and each coil of said first plurality of coils canted along said first centerline; a second plurality of coils each having a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes; a second centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils, and each coil of said second plurality of coils canted along said second centerline; a third plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes; a first centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils, and each coil of said third plurality of coils canted along said first centerline; wherein the coils of said first plurality of coils alternate with the coils of said second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern; and wherein the spring ring comprises an inner perimeter defined by said first plurality of coils only.
 15. The coil spring of claim 14, wherein a coil of the third plurality of coils is located between at least one coil of the first plurality of coils and at least one coil of the second plurality of coils. 